Some commemorative coins are common in circulation, while others have become genuine modern rarities. Here, we reveal the value of the 50p 1759-2009 and explain why collectors are so eager to find one. With only 210,000 issued for circulation, the Kew Gardens 2009 50 pence has become one of the most famous and sought-after British commemoratives.
Value of the Kew Gardens 50 pence coin 1759-2009
With only 210,000 examples released into circulation, this is a genuinely rare 50 pence coin and one of the best-known modern British rarities. Demand remains particularly strong, meaning that even circulated examples can command a substantial premium over their face value.
The table below shows the value of the Kew Gardens 1759 50 pence for each numismatic grade. Condition has a major influence on price, with well-preserved and uncirculated examples generally achieving significantly higher values than worn coins.
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What event is commemorated by this issue?
 | Image of each 50p ever minted Meaning of all 50 pence coins Stories about some mintages Value for each numismatic grade |
The 1759-2009 Kew Gardens 50p coin was issued in 2009 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Its origins date to 1759, when Princess Augusta, mother of King George III, established a nine-acre botanic garden that would eventually develop into one of the world’s leading centres for botanical research and conservation.
Designed by Christopher Le Brun, the reverse depicts the famous Great Pagoda surrounded by a climbing vine, with the dates 1759 and 2009 on either side and the word “KEW” at its base. The pagoda itself was built in 1762 and remains one of the gardens’ most recognisable landmarks.
Is the 50p coin Kew Gardens part of a series?
No. This design was issued specifically to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Botanic Gardens and does not belong to a wider commemorative series.
Our table below brings together other individually issued commemoratives. It allows you to explore coins with their own unique subjects and compare their rarity, history and collector values.